Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS)

[Jon87]

So, I'm currently considering applying for a one-year MSc at RSIS in Singapore. In particular their MSc Strategic Studies seems quite interesting and well-aligned with my personal interests. (I already have a one-year Masters from a good UK university, but in an unrelated field.)

Website: http://www.rsis.edu.sg/grad/

I was wondering if anyone has any intel on the school, and especially regarding how it's perceived in the U.S. Academic reputation? Professors? (According to UPenn's ranking, the school (or rather its think-tank) was ranked 3rd in Asia - does this mean anything?) What impact, if any, would this MSc have if I were to apply for a U.S.-based PhD programme in political science afterwards?

As I see it, there's a couple of pros and cons:

positive:

- Heard the school is very modern, generous with fellowships, sort of 'up-and-coming', and good in providing exposure to regional policymakers through events and practical cases.

- Going by the online prospectus, the courses seem well thought-out and interesting.

- Singapore is a good place to study Asian security issues (especially with my interests in maritime security in the Indian Ocean and South China Sea). Would also allow me to progress a bit on my (very basic) Chinese skills.

cons:

- probably not too well-known in the U.S.?

- apparently a good chunk of students are military cadets from Singapore -- which might be interesting but could also be a bit too much...

all opinions most welcome...

[Hanson's Fan]

Years ago, I think it was IDSS. As far as I was back in a grad school taking some NS courses at NPS, we referred to articles authored by IDSS scholars. My limited knowledge is that they have research opportunities for security issues.

Now it's with NTU but still has its own autonomy, I suppose. If you're interested in intelligence, strategy and defense, I think Singapore is interesting. A strategic location for ASEAN and East Asia. If you learn Mandarin and Bahasa Malay (Singpore's national language), it'll also be worthwhile while spending time there.

And maybe try to double major, sth of what you like that's offered at NTU.

I did like 2.5 majors: ID, Cross-Cultural Studies and 0.5 Security taking courses at NPS.

I hope you enjoy Singapore la...